More Villages In Kottayam

Thalayolaprambu : Plantation village Thalayolaparambu has grown to a small but important town. The place is a best known market for plantation produces, the major of them being rubber.

Four banks do flourishing business. One of them has an ATM counter.

Educational institutions are aplenty. Four High Schools, three Colleges and matching lower and upper primary schools located here. Shrines also not lack in number. Churches, mosques and temples are close to each other as a mark of religious harmony. Pundareekapuram temple is very famous on more than one count. The exquisite wall paintings on the sanctum sanctorum depicting Hindu mythological figures are subject of research, not to speak of murals which share ranking of best in Kerala. The temple is located in Midayikunnam locality.

The village has three movie houses.

Vaikom, Kadathuruthuy, Piravom, Kanjiramattom, Aryankavu, Keezhoor and Velloor are nearest places.

Teekoy : Teekoy is located between Vagamon and Erattupetta. It is a typical village adjusted with midland and hill land carpeted with lush green scenery. Agriculture is the main vocation. Produces are rubber, coconut, areca-nut, cardamom, nutmeg, cashew, pepper, turmeric, ginger etc.

Hills and valleys rich Teekoy is proud of allowing Meenachil River to flow through its soil. Remember, Meenachil River is the star character of Arundhati Roy’s famous novel – The God of Small Things.

Teekoy is also the land of many species of medicinal plants.

Major part of population is Christians. The presence of Hindus and Muslims is marginal. Third or fourth generation of Tamil migrants who came for work in rubber plantations forms a small percentage of population.

There is a tea processing factory established long ago when Teekoy was engaged in tea cultivation.

In education facilities Teekoy is much advanced. A technical school and a higher secondary school in addition to lower and upper primary schools cater to the needs of the village.

High agriculture income, especially from rubber, and salary income from abroad have changed the life style of Teekoyites. The handsome income is reflected on imposing bungalows and villas scattered in the village.

Teekoy is a select choice for movie shooting.

Adventurous trekking paths, rolling hills and hillocks, cliffs, waterfalls, caves and picturesque surroundings make Teekoy a blue chip tourist spot.

The Illickal mountain top with a steep height of over 3000 ft located nearby is ideal for viewing around. The view catches up to 75 km. Alapuzha port distanced at 75 km is in its clear view during the nights. Those experienced claim that view from Illickal mountain top is similar to the view from Effeil Tower.

Chempu : This village is located near Vaikom on the shores of Vembanad Lake. Nature has showered unlimited blessings on Chempu. Picturesque and serene atmosphere make the village a hot spot.

The village accommodates Hindus, Christians and Muslims harmoniously.

Moscow : This beautiful village, not of Russia, is located in the middle of Thiruvalla and Chanaganasseri.

Once in Moscow, the eyes get a sumptuous feast.

With hospitals, schools, shrines etc the village is a front runner in development.

Puthupally : Puthupally is a developed village to the extent of a small town. It is located on the banks of Kodoor River.

The feast in the famous 16th century St George Valia Pally (big church) every year on 6th and 7th May is attended by thousands of pilgrims from all over Kerala.

The village has two Hindu shrines.

The main vocation of the village is agriculture, main crop being rubber. Other crops on low key are coconut, pepper and paddy.

Rubber Research Institute of India is located here. There is an office of Rubber Board of India also. Part and parcel of the village are small scale rubber processing units.

To meet the educational needs of the village, enough educational institutions are there.

Malayalam writer Vettom Mani, famous scientist George Sudarsan, eminent Astrologist Kizhukkal Abraham Varghese and ex-Chief Minister of Kerala, Ommen Chandy are the products of Puthupally.

Vennimala : A hill top village, Vennimala, is located 15 km away from Kottayam town. The village is a hot spot of tourists. The road leading to Vennimala is Kottayam-Kumali Road.

During their exiled life Lord Rama and Lord Laxmana visited Vennimala and their presence showered enormous blessings to the village, it is believed. As a memorial to their presence, a Rama-Laxmana temple erected by the ancestors and consecrated by Cheraman Perumal, the ancient emperor of Kerala, is a great pilgrim center. Historical records speak of Cheramal Perumal having stayed here. The annual festival of the shrine lasts 28 days with large attendance every day.

The main produce of Vennimala is rubber.

Look here and there when fresh water ponds numbering not less a dozen glare at the eyes. Just half a kilometer from the temple a big cave silently sleeps.

Koorapada : 8 km distanced from Vennimala this village is where Matrumala (a hill) is located. The top of Matrumala offers a delicious feast to the eyes from all around.

In the hill top there is a small ancient temple believed to have been built by Lord Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to seven goddesses.

Kallara : Kallara is located at 20 km northwest of Kottayam town. Rail and road access from Kottayam exists.

Numerous criss-crossing canals feeding to the paddy fields are a stunning sight to the eyes everywhere. The canals’ tail ends merge into the Ezhumenthuruth backwaters. Tiny islands in the backwaters look like tortoises from distance.

Aryankudy, Kapikkad, Mundor, Pulithuruth, Erumthuruth, Pazhampetti, Ponnurukumpara and Karikkal are pockets of scenic beauty.

The village is famed in the making of screw pine products. Screw pine plants in congestion grow in bulk on canal sides without any manure. The shaft of the screw pine plant is cut removed and split into many to season in sun light or fire heat during monsoon. The next course is making of the products by hand weaving. Product ranges are vivid. Table mat, purse, file holders, waste box, hats, kitchen pouches, decoration items are some of them.

Wood products, rubber wood products and bamboo products are other items produced in Kallara.

Kallara is going to be a model village shortly for which spade work is underway. The government objective is to avail the tourists an opportunity to experience the art of screw pine products making as also other rural products making with stay facilities in scenic spots.

Ramapuram : This beautiful village is located between Pala town and Koothattukulam in a distance of 15 km from Pala town. Ramapuram, meaning the abode of Rama (Lord Rama), is the birth place of Vanchipattu (the songs sang during the towing of country boats) exponent Ramapurath Warrier. The renowned Malayalam novelist Lalithambika Antharjanam was lived here.

Ramapuram enjoyed the presence of an old Church and it enjoyed the privilege of receiving the blessings of two renowned missionaries – Daivadasan Thevaraparambil Kunjachan and Paramekkal Thoma Kathanar.

A temple dedicated to Lord Rama ensures the omnipresence of Lord Rama ever in Ramapuram as the physical presence is a thing of past. Lord Rama’s all the brothers’ omnipresence is also ensured in Ramapuram. A shrine dedicated to Lakshmana at Kedapulam, a shrine of Bharata at Amanakara and a shrine dedicated to Sathrugna at Methiri – all in the vicinity of Ramapuram – do the job.

The surroundings of Ramapuram are equally rewarding. Kurinjikoomban, a hill, situated 5 km from Ramapuram is enriched with many caves. Vellamneekipara waterfall is nearby.

Kuruvankunnu, a hill, situated 5 km from Ramapuram (not near Kurinjikomban) is prone to avalanches. Even in summer water is aplenty in this place. Surroundings are highly beautiful.

Mayiladumpara, located at Nedumala, near Ramapuram is a spontaneous spot to enjoy nature’s benevolence. Two gigantic rocks have grabbed 4 to 5 acres of land to remain static.

Parunthanmala located at Kozhimala is at 4 km west of Ramapuram. The hill, highest in the vicinity, is a selective spot for panoramic view of the area altogether.

Fathimagiri, a hill with not much height, near Ramapuram is an ideal picnic spot.

Kudamaloor : Located very near to Kottayam town and Kumarakom, Kudamaloor is on the banks of Meenachil River. The village is a fine example of typical Kerala rural ambience.

Kudamaloor is more popular as the head quarters of erstwhile Chembakassery kings. The place where the palace of kings once stood is now stands Valiyamadom Nalukettu, the present residence of the royal family. The village is dotted with many old Nalukettu structures and mansions. Near Eraveeswaram temple the remains of the fort of the kings are still visible. Raised platforms and canon holes in the wall have survived the onslaught of the climate for years.

Kudamaloor is a well known village on many counts. In art and architecture the village is always in forefront. The birth place of renowned Kathakali exponent is Kudamaloor. Many sons of the village are reckoned stalwarts in Kerrida art forms and folklore arts. Call the experts in Sopanasangeetham, Kalamezhuthu and Kalamezhuthu Pattu, Kalaripayattu, Mudiyettu etc.the village is ready to supply them.

Two prominent institutions, Kathakali Yogam and Sopanam Kalavedi & Research Center, rooted here promote folklore arts and Kathakali.

Kudamaloor is in Aymanam Panchayat, the home town of the booker prize winner Arundhathi Roy. The novelist has woven her famed novel ‘The God of Small Things’around this theme village.

Literally, the village is congested with temples - ten in number. Vasudevapuram temple is accredited for mural paintings. Tiyattu, Garudan Parava and Thookam are the novelties of the temple festivals in Kudamaloor.

Unheard anywhere else, a church known as St Mary’s Church was built and promoted by a Hindu king. The offering in the Church is of typical nature. It is a traditional water bag and rope used for drawing the water from the well.

Ithipuzha : Ithipuzha village is located on Ernakulam-Vaikom route. At a particular point on the rout there are three bridges in succession. The bridges over lay the tributaries of Muvattupuzha River. The tributaries pass through after creating many catchy islands and drain to Vembanad Lake. This place is Ithipuzha bathed in scenic beauty. Long stretches of coconut palms and spacious paddy fields add charm to the village. Few houseboats and resort-less shores make the village more enchanting and the waterways unhurt.

Ithipuzha is a fine location to relax in a country boat ride and unwind the tension hit mind while watching the fishermen carrying their day’s catch in small canoes.

Bharananganam: Bharananganam is a plantation village, located on the banks of Meenachil River, near Pala town.

Rubber is the main produce.

Bharananganam is a known pilgrim centre where the mortal remains of Blessed Alphonsa are kept in a Chapel close to St Mary’s Church.

Sreekrishna Temple, one of the majors in devotee-drawing in south Kerala, is also located here.

The village has excellent facilities for education up to high school level. Five schools, managed by Churches, cater to the village.

In health and entertainment fronts the village has adequate facilities.

Population of the village is mostly of Christians. Hindus and Muslims are in second and third position respectively.

Kaipuzha: Kaipuzha village is located 7 km south of Kottayam town. Kaipuzha in Malayalam means branch-river.

The village is agrarian and produces multi-crops.

The vicinity of Kaipuzha is nestled by small rivers. The Vechoor village famous for the Vechoor cow, the smallest breed of cow in the world, is nearby. In earlier time, Athirampuzha and Ettumanoor were part of Kaipuzha.

Majority of the population is of Christians. Hindus positioned closely second.

The 1813 origin St George’s Forane Church here is a famous shrine.

Dr Cyriac Joseph, the present Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court is hailed from Kaipuzha.

The village has facilities for education up to middle level.

Healthcare facilities are excellent.

Kangazha: The village is located 25 km from Kottayam town.

The agri-based village produces various crops.

Majority of the inhabitants are Chritians. The second position is claimed by Hindus. Long back, the entire village population was of Hindus. Gradually, many backward communities from Hindu faith took conversion to Christianity. This paved the way to lose upperhand in population for the Hindus.

The village has produced many writers and authors. Kanam E J (Philip), T K Krishnan Nair and Dr Kanam Karunakaran Pillai are prominent among them.

Excellent educational facilities exist. Healthcare facilities too are good. MGDM Hospital is a major outlet for healthcare.

Baselios Higher Secondary School, School of Laboratory Technology, Theophilus College of Nursing, P Geevarghese School of Nursing, PMG College etc nourish in the soil of Kangazha.

Karukachal: The village Karukachal is situated 20 km from Kottayam town.

The original name of Karukachal was Valkazhichal, Val = Kazhuki + Chal. Val means sword and Kazhuki means washed and Chal means small steams. In ancient time this place was inhabited by Chekavans or Chevakars (warriors). The hereditary profession of Chekavans was battling. After every battle they used to wash their swords (the weapon they used) in the stream. This caused the place to be nomenclatured as Valkazhukichal. The banks of stream were rich in Karuka, a species of grass, which has much medicinal value. This probably tempted the locals to rename the place as Karukachal. This historical Chal is no more here as it was reclaimed and turned fertile.

The village is rich in shrines – both of Hindus and Christians who are the major inhabitants with Hindus more in number.

Chempakara Devi Kshetram (temple), Nettallore Devi Kshetram and Vetticavumkal Sree Mahadeva Kshetram are the Hindus shrines.

Champakara Church, Kootrapalli Church and Nedumkunnam St John the Baptist Church meet the faith needs of Christians.

The renowned Sreerangam CVN Kalari Chikilsa Kendram (martial treatment centre) functions in the village.

Kidangoor: This village is located near Pala town.

The nature beauty showered village is blessed by Meenachil River snaking through its heart.

The village is agri-based and produces multi-crops.

Major inhabitants are Hindus and Christians with Hindus more in number.

Meenachil River divides Kidangoor from centre forcing it to call Northern Kidangoor and Southern Kidangoor. While Hindu Shrine Subramanya Temple is located on Northern Kidangoor, Christian shrine St Mary’s Church is rooted in Southern Kidangoor.

The village has adequate facilities for education up to high school level. It has one lower primary school and two high schools.

Koottickal: The village Koottickal is located on the base of Western Ghats which is the eastern border of the district and just 6 km from Mundakayam.

The 2000 ft above sea level placed village is surrounded by waterfalls and streams alike. The Muthukona Hills from top of which towns of Kottayam and Ernakulam districts are visible are nearby.

Manimala River snakes through nearby. Kuttikanam, Peermedu and Reserve Forest are also nearby.

Mainly rubber produced Koottickal is one of the forerunners for rubber cultivation in India. John Joseph Murphy, the Irish planter nurtured his plantations here. His last days were here. His tomb is till there atop a hill.

St George High School, one of the old generation schools in the district, is a prime education institute in the village.

Among the inhabitants, Christians are bulk in number. Hindus corner second position.

Kothanalloor: Kothanalloor is placed on Kottayam-Ernakulam highway route in 21 km distance from Kottayam town.

The village is agrarian, producing various crops.

Hindus and Christians inhabit here mainly. Hindus are second on head count. A thin presence of Muslims is also there.

Devi Temple (Vana Durga Devi) of Kothanalloor fulfils the shrine needs of Hindus, while St Gervasis and Porthasis Roman Catholic Syrian Church is the shrine of Chrisitans.

Kummanam: Kummanam is a small agrarian village situated 4 km from Kottayam town.

Population consists of Hindus, Muslims and Christians here. Hindus are more in number followed by Muslims and Christians in that order.

Chengalathukavu Devi Temple is the main worship centre of Hindus. St George Jacobite Syrian Church meets the worship needs of Christian community. Two mosques meet the religious needs of Muslims. One of them, Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid has the status of being one of the oldest mosques in Kerala.

The village has facilities for primary level education.

Manarkadu: Manarkadu is a small village located 5 km from Kottayam town.

Vocation of the village is agriculture. Multi-pronged crops are produced here.

The population consists of Hindus, Christians and Muslims. In numerical strength Hindus, Christians and Muslims are in first, second and third position respectively.

Christian shrine St Mary’s Syrian Jacobite Church is very famous. This church meets most of educational and healthcare needs of the village. It runs a hospital and educational institutions like Schools, ITI, Nursing School etc.

Manarkad Sree Bhagawathy Temple is a famous pilgrim centre of Hindus. The temple cherishes a colourful legend. An old aged Brahmin of Thanniyil Illam, located at Elambanakkad, was an ardent devotee of Kodungalloor Amma (located in Thrissur district). He used to visit the shrine of Amma once in every month. During his last pilgrimage he prayed and pleaded to Amma that his ill-health and old age prevents him coming to the shrine again and that please help and find a solution. The same day night he had a dream to the effect that he will find an Ola Kuda (palm-leaf umbrella) near to him and that he may go home with the Ola Kuda so that he will never need to come to Kodungalloor for worship. When he woke up he noticed an Ola Kuda as dreamt. He returned with it and when he reached Elambanakkad he rested there placing the umbrella on the ground. He prepared to restart the journey after some time and tried to lift the umbrella. To his utter surprise, the umbrella was unmovable. He narrated the event to the local ruler who immediately called in an Astrologer to find out a solution. The Astrologer found that the umbrella is none other than Kodungalloor Amma and it requires a permanent abode at the nearby Choorakadu (bamboo forest) where Nagaraja (snake god) has an abode. Following this finding, a Bhagawathy Temple was built there. This was at the time Elambi, a Yakshi (female demon) creating miseries in the area. Amma soon killed theYakshi and thrown southward the bell Yakshi wore. The southward place was thereafter known as Maniyerkadu (the forest created by throwing the Mani (bell)). With the pass of time Maniyerkadu came to be pronounced as Manarkad for the sake of convenience.

Monipally: Monipally is a small agrarian village but economically well advanced. The produces of the village is rubber, cocoa, vanilla, pepper and ginger.

Many from the village have migrated to overseas countries for employment. The income from overseas as well the internal income from agriculture made the village economically strong with multi-faceted developments. Within 4 square kilometres (the overall area of the village) there are seven schools and three hospitals. Monipally is an outlet for education and healthcare for the nearby villages too.

Thre life index of the village is on a high scale.

Christians, Hindus and Muslims co-inhabit here peacefully as in other places in Kerala.

Pampady: Pampady village has a small town in its own name. The village is located 16 km east of Kottayam town.

Pampady is agrarian producing various crops including rubber.

Christians, Hindus and Muslims form the inhabitants.

The history of Pampady is vivid and glorious. Its existence dates back to well over 1000 years. The Subramanya Temple here looked even older at that time which suggests habitation was there many many years ago.

Pampady was under the rule of Thekkumkoor King up to the first half of 16th century. The village had three segments known as Velloor, Pampady and Thekkan Pampady. Each segment was owned by each entity.

The development of Pampady is closely connected to K K Road (Kottayam-Kumily Road) connecting Kollam to Theni in Tamil Nadu. K K Road was materialized at the initiative of Murphy during the first half of 20th century. The building of this road was a streneous effort and many have lost their lives during the process, mostly of labourers from Puthuveli and Kothala areas. Most of the lives were sacrificed during the construction between Peruvanthanam and Kuttikanam.

Kallamkunnu in Velloor is called Pampurumpara, meaning the rock where snakes cast out their outer shells. Many believe the name Pampady is derived from Pampurumpara. 2 km south of Velloor at Vennila there is a Sreerama-Lakshmana temple. This very old temple is on a hill top having a height of 1500 ft from sea level. Around the temple there are numerous small wells and ponds.

The famous Christian Pilgrim Center, Pampady Daya, where His Holiness Pampady Thirumeni is resting in the Chapel is here. The Chapel runs educational and charity institutions. K M College, B M M School, Polytechnic, Abhaya Bhavan and Bala Bhavan are these institutions.

Pattithanam: Pattithanam is a high range village located near Ettumanoor.

The agri-prone village produces multi-crops, mainly rubber.

Majority of the inhabitants are Christians. Next to Christians, Hindus stand. Muslim population is miniscule.

In educational infrastructure the village is well placed. Similar is the case in the matter of healthcare.

The village population is mainly of settlers from other parts of Kottayam and nearby districts. Early settlers took interest in establishing educational and religious institutions. These institutions are the reckoning ones in the State. Alphonsa English Medium School and Ebenzer International School are noteworthy among the educational institutions while St Thomas Church and St Boniface Churche are landmarks.

Perumbanachy: The small sized village is situated 7 km from Changanachery town.

The agri-based village produces rubber, paddy, coconut and pepper as main crops.

Population consists of Christians, Hindus and Muslims. On head count, Christians are more than Hindus while Muslims are lesser than Hindus.

All the three communities have their own pilgrim centers.

Well planned educational infrastructure is in place. Healthcare facilities too are well.

Ponkunnam: Ponkunnam, 34 km east of Kottyam town, has attained townhood long back. The town is a gateway to Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa, for the pilgrims converging from northern and central parts of Kerala as also from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Most of the inhabitants are Christians, especially Syro-Malabar sect. Other inhabitants form Hindus and Muslims. Muslims are mostly converted from Tamil Vellalar and Chetty communities following their settlement here for wroks in rubber plantations in and around places.

NH 220, known as K K Road (Kottayam-Kumily Road), a passage to Mudurai in Tamil Nadu, goes through Ponkunnam.

Ponkunnam Varkey, a celebrity novelist and short story writer, is the native of Ponkunnam.

Poonjar:Poonjar dons the cap of a small town. It is located in high ranges on the eastern side of the district.

Agriculure based Poonjar mainly produces rubber.

Majority of the inhabitants are Christians. Hindus come next to Christians. Muslims are third in quantum.

Poonjar has excellent facilities for education up to higher secondary.

Facilities for healthcare too are excellent.

Puthupally: The agri-based village wearing the cap of a small town is located on the banks of Kodoor River.

The village casts out mainly rubber followed by coconut, pepper and paddy.

The landmark of the village is a 16th century origin Christian Pilgrim Center known as St George Valiya Pally in vernacular. The feast of the Church on 6th and 7th May every year is an epoch-making event attracting thousands.

The town has the first Syrian Orthodox Patriarchel Center known as St George Patriarchel Church, established in 1993.

The town also owns up a Shiva temple. The Panachikad temple is nearby.

Puthuveli: Puthuveli is a border village located on M C Road with 5 km distance from Koothattukulam.

The village being in high ranges produces plantation crops like rubber, cocoa, pepper, ginger etc.

The agriculture income coupled wit h the income from overseas where a number of Puthuvelians have landed in jobs has boosted the economy of the village which is reflected in muti-pronged developments.

Population comprises of Christians, Hindus and Muslims. Muslim population is wafer-thin. Christians outnumber Hindus.

Facilities for education up to middle level exist. Healthcare facilities are up to the mark.

Villages in Kottayam District

From Karma Kerala

More Villages In Kottayam